Ralph Connor House, 54 West Gate, Winnipeg
The Heritage House Conservation Committee at the University Women’s Club has been working for over two years on a history of Ralph Connor House, to be published as 54 West Gate: Stories of Ralph Connor House.
Presales of the book will be taken starting on May 12, 2005. That is not only Manitoba Day but the day when the Province of Manitoba’s plaque declaring the Ralph Connor House a Provincial Heritage Site will be unveiled.
At least ten members of the families of Rev. Charles W. Gordon’s (author “Ralph Connor”) descendants have read the section of the book on the “Gordon Years” and have given their enthusiastic and constructive comments. Michael Cox, a grandson, has met with the writers several times and been a great support. Editor and member Mary Dixon of Portage and Main Press and reader/reviewers member Rosemary Malaher, Miles Pepper, Q.C. and member Shirley Bradshaw (all active in the Manitoba Historical Society) have helped in the effort to produce a worthwhile and interesting book.
It should have appeal beyond Manitoba’s borders for anyone interested in architecture, social history, women’s issues, and an interesting cast of characters.
The proceeds all go to the preservation and maintenance of Ralph Connor House. Chapters include such topics as building the house, Gordon family life on Armstrong’s Point, WW I and the post war years, saving the house in 1938, club life, house disasters and triumphs, awards and the legacy for the future. Numerous sidebars, boxes and appendices of support material along with illustrations and a timeline add visual interest and variety. Member Marj Gillies, journalist and author of local history, has written a fitting Preface.
Special Dates:
May 12
unveiling of Provincial Heritage Site plaque at Ralph Connor House
May 30
launch of 54 West Gate: Stories of Ralph Connor House
Check out the University Women's Club at www.uwc-wpg.mb.ca.
